Regional Store Development Senior Project Manager

WHO WE ARE

Avolta is the world’s leading and largest Travel Experience (Retail, Convenience, F&B) company (https://www.avoltaworld.com/en) with >5,500 outlets, >1,200 locations, >77,000 employees in more than 70 countries and annual revenue of Swiss Francs CHF 13.9 Billion in 2025 and operate predominantly at airports as well as other travel channels, including motorways, railways, cruises, border shops and downtown.

We are on a journey towards our Destination 2027 strategy, creating a travel experience revolution by putting the traveler at our core. Based on four strong pillars of delivering the Travel Experience Revolution, diversifying our Geographical Presence, further fostering a Culture of Continual Improvement, and Sustainability, our strategy is ultimately powered by our people.

In Asia Pacific (APAC), we are present in more than 10 countries, including China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Senior Store Development Manager plays a critical role in shaping and delivering differentiated retail and F&B environments across Avolta’s Asia portfolio, with a particular focus on Greater China and Japan.

This role goes beyond project execution. It is responsible for leading concept development in close partnership with commercial teams and external design agencies, translating brand and business strategy into compelling, commercially effective store concepts and ensuring their successful delivery on site.

Operating at both a strategic and tactical level, the role will support high‑profile developments and new market entries, acting as a senior store development representative for Avolta in the region. The position is based in Hong Kong to enable close collaboration with China, Japan and North Asia stakeholders, partners, and agencies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Concept Development & Design Leadership

• • Lead the development and articulation of retail and F&B concepts, from early visioning and feasibility through design approval.
  • Act as the primary interface with global store development team and external design agencies, providing clear briefs, strategic direction, and ongoing design leadership.
  • Translate brand, commercial, operational, and customer experience requirements into clear design narratives, layouts, and spatial strategies.

• • Review, challenge, and refine design concepts to ensure brand alignment, customer relevance, operational practicality, and cost efficiency.
  • Ensure concepts are adaptable across markets with different customer behaviors and regulatory environments, while maintaining brand consistency.
  • Prepare and contribute to senior management and executive presentations, including concept decks, visuals, and storytelling.

2. Project Leadership & Delivery

• • Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of retail and F&B store development projects, from concept approval to opening.
  • Own project scope, timelines, budgets, and delivery strategies across multiple concurrent projects.
  • Oversee design development, procurement, construction, testing & commissioning, and handover activities.
  • Act as the senior escalation point for design, construction, MEP, and site‑related issues.
  • Ensure all projects meet airport authority, landlord, statutory, and safety requirements.
  • Support opening readiness, defect rectification, and post‑opening reviews.

3. Regional & Strategic Contribution

• • Support the development and execution of the regional store development strategy in line with Avolta’s business and brand ambitions.
  • Provide development input into flagship projects, duty free environments, major refurbishments, and new market entry initiatives.
  • Partner with commercial, marketing, operations, IT, and supply chain teams to ensure integrated project outcomes.
  • Identify opportunities to drive capex optimization, modular solutions, scalability, and repeatable design principles across the region.
  • Contribute to long‑term development planning and project pipeline discussions.

4. Stakeholder & Agency Management

• • Act as a senior store development interface with airport authorities, landlords, joint venture partners, and consultants on store development matters.
  • Manage and evaluate the performance of external design agencies, consultants, and contractors, ensuring value, quality, and accountability.
  • Confidently represent Store Development in cross‑functional forums, steering committees, and leadership reviews.
  • Build strong, collaborative relationships across regional and global teams.

5. Budgeting, Governance & Risk Management

• • Develop and manage project budgets, cost plans, and cash flow forecasts.
  • Lead tender processes, contractor appointments, and commercial negotiations in collaboration with Procurement and Finance.
  • Monitor financial performance, manage variations, and identify cost and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure appropriate governance, reporting, and documentation across all projects

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15+ years of experience in retail and/or F&B store development, with demonstrated exposure to both concept development and end‑to‑end project delivery.
• Proven project management experience leading complex, multi‑site developments from concept through to completion.
• Strong track record working directly with external design agencies and consultants on flagship or complex projects.
• Solid experience delivering projects across multiple Asian markets, including North Asia (e.g. China and Japan).
• Demonstrated experience in construction and fit‑out within airport environments, with a clear understanding of the unique operational, regulatory, and logistical requirements compared to downtown retail.
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic level (concept development, vision setting, stakeholder influencing) and tactical level (project execution, site delivery, issue resolution).
• Strong commercial acumen, with a good understanding of customer journeys, store layouts, and sales drivers in retail and F&B environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage cross‑functional teams and senior leadership.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin is required.
• Willingness to travel regionally as required.